Russia offers to fly Afghans out of Afghanistan to other countries

People gathered outside the airport react to gunfire, in Kabul, Afghanistan August 18, 2021 in this still image taken from video. ASVAKA NEWS via REUTERS

REUTERS

Russia is ready to provide its civilian aircraft to fly Afghan citizens from Afghanistan to other countries, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

"We are ready to offer the services of Russian civilian aviation to provide flights for any number of Afghan citizens including women and children to any foreign countries that show interest in receiving and accommodating them," Zakharova said at a news briefing.

She did not say anything about Russia taking in Afghans.

Thousands of civilians desperate to flee Afghanistan thronged Kabul airport's single runway on Monday after Taliban insurgents seized the capital.

Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Alison Williams and Mark Heinrich